Former Australian skipper Brad Hogg says that veteran Indian off-spinner R Ashwin can surpass Muttiah Muralitharan's record of 800 Test scalps if he continues to pick up wickets at the current rate.
R Ashwin is arguably one of the best spinners India have ever produced the veteran off-spinner has represented India in 78 Test matches and bagged 409 wickets at an average of 24.69. to his name. His tally of 409 wickets includes 30 five-wicket hauls and seven ten-wicket hauls in a match.
The 34-year-old is fourth in the list of India’s leading wicket-takers behind Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev and Harbhajan Singh.
IND v ENG 2021: ‘I would like to leave my own legacy’, R Ashwin after Test series win over England
In an interaction with Times Now, former Australian spinner Brad Hogg said that R Ashwin will till 42 years in Test crochet and can bag at least 600+ wickets. He added that the veteran off-spinner can even break Muttiah Muralitharan’s record of 800 Test wickets.
"I think he will probably play till 42 in Tests. I think his batting might drop off but he’ll be more lethal with the ball by the time passing by. I can see him pushing 600+ Test wickets at least. He might even break Muttiah Muralitharan’s record (of 800 Test wickets) as well," Brad Hogg told Times Now.
Brad Hogg further said that R Ashwin’s hunger to play good cricket makes him a premier bowler. He added that playing county cricket in England conditions has helped him become successful in recent years.
"The reason why I think he’s so good because he is adaptable and his hunger of continuing to grow up as a cricketer. He also played county cricket to get used to England conditions and that’s how he has become so successful especially in recent years," he said.
With Team India set to lock horns against New Zealand in the final of the ICC World Test Championship, R Ashwin will play a massive role for Virat Kohli-led side.
If the off-spinner manages to take 26 wickets in the UK tour he will move to second in the wicket-taking charts of Indian bowlers.
(Times Now inputs)
